Histopathology is the diagnosis and study of diseases of the tissues and involves examining tissues and/or cells under a microscope. The Dorset LEP investment is for the introduction of a 500m2 high quality histopathology laboratory and support space which is being supported by a further £20 million match funding contribution by the NHS.

The Histopathology Diagnostic Hub will be part of a wider new Pathology Hub in Dorset which aims to significantly improve patient diagnostic services in Dorset. The new digitalisation and application of Artificial Intelligence will potentially lead to improved speed and reliability of diagnosis for illnesses.

Working towards this goal is One Dorset Pathology, a collaborative partnership between the pathology services at three hospital trusts in Dorset – the Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and, The Royal Bournemouth & Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Stephen Harding, head of service for One Dorset Pathology said, “Diagnostic testing has an ever-increasing role in healthcare, with pathology used by over 80 per cent of patients to inform diagnoses and treatment plans. Every person in Dorset will use the service at some point in their life. Having the best available facilities will therefore benefit the majority of people in Dorset and allow our fantastic NHS staff to give the best possible care.”

The new Histopathology Diagnostic Hub is expected to be completed and operational in autumn 2022.